A letter from Lorrie

Dear Parents,

The choice you make for your child’s childcare and preschool experience is an important one. We believe that high quality childcare can provide children, families and communities with benefits beyond the basic utility of assuring children’s safety while parents are at work.

Research shows that high quality education before a child turns five yields significant long-term benefits such as, individuals who were enrolled in a quality preschool program ultimately earned up to $2000.00 more per month than those who did not attend preschool. Also, young people who were in preschool programs are more likely to graduate from high school, to own homes and have long marriages (National Education Association).

What, then, constitutes a quality preschool program? We believe consistency is the most important factor. Consistent curriculum, environment, teachers and communication among all parties are essential. Our classrooms have a detailed daily schedule which provides consistency and structure to the children’s day. Our class schedules provide for large and small group activities, one on one activities, teacher directed projects as well as provide opportunities for children to make choices. We believe that children learn though play. We use positive guidance and praise to nurture children’s positive self-esteem.

Quite honestly, Nevada ranks toward the bottom of quality early childhood programs with a statewide teacher turnover rate of 45%. Most preschool teachers in Nevada have the very minimum requirements such as; a childcare work permit, TB test, CPR certification and 15 training hours in early childhood education. This is horrifying. At Little Bear and University Preschools we are working hard to raise the bar by offering employee incentive programs to enable our staff to complete their degrees in early childhood education. Our ultimate goal is to achieve national accreditation thru the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and we will be asking for participation and input from parents.

We invite you to join us as we combine all of our efforts to provide your child with the best possible early childhood experience.